Seabrook Mayor and City Council on Sept. 9 directed staff to work with Texas Markets, the company that operates the Seabrook Farmers Market, to revise the market license and remove ambiguities after several public commenters praised the market and market operators defended restroom arrangements.

The council action came after multiple residents urged the city to support the weekly market, citing economic and community benefits. “The market has become more than just a place to buy produce. It is a community hub,” said Kelly Stewart, a Seabrook resident and market supporter. Stewart and other speakers said the market brings visitors to downtown businesses and asked the city not to impose requirements that would hinder the market’s growth.

Texas Markets representatives said they have been working with the city and vendors to address a recent complaint over portable restrooms. Kayla Hensley of Texas Markets said the restrooms are currently on site and that the company has been arranging removal and replacement according to vendor routes: “Yes. They are right now.” Mayor and council members said the issue appears to have been a communication gap between the operator, the porta‑potty vendor and city staff.

At the council meeting, council member Hammond moved (seconded by Council member Tillett) to instruct city staff to meet with Texas Markets, amend the license to clarify restroom requirements and scheduling limits, and return the revised license for council approval. The motion passed unanimously.

City staff and Texas Markets discussed several specific points the revised license should address: whether temporary toilets must be removed after each market, scheduling frequency when a month has five Saturdays, and vendor selection/prioritization rules. Operators said vendor selection remains first‑come, first‑served but that staff and council could explore ways to recruit more Seabrook vendors.

Council members and market operators agreed the market should continue to operate during the rewrite. Council member Hammond said the goal is to preserve the market’s momentum while tightening the contract language to avoid future disputes.

The council directed staff to bring the amended license back for formal approval before the next renewal date.